Production of topological defects at the end of inflation

Abstract

Cosmological inflation and topological defects have been considered for a long time, either in disagreement or in competition. On the one hand an inflationary era is required to solve the shortcomings of the hot big bang model, while on the other hand cosmic strings and string-like objects are predicted to be formed in the early universe. Thus, one has to find ways so that both can coexist. I will discuss how to reconcile cosmological inflation with cosmic strings. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.